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THE LAW, THE LEGEND, & THE LEGISLATURE

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Wild quotes, weird laws, and real Texas political historyThe 1884 Texas “Wire-Cutter Law” made it a felony to cut fences or carry wire cutters during the Fence-Cutting Wars that erupted over barbed-wire boundaries across ranch country.?ANSWER IN NEXT WEEK’S OCTOBER 17RD EDITION!LAST WEEK'S ANSWER...
A bucket of freshly picked Texas pumpkins showcases this year’s strong harvest. Thanks to early rains and a dry July, growers in Floyd County say 2025 pumpkins are holding up better in both color and quality—just in time for Halloween.

A bucket of freshly picked Texas pumpkins showcases this year’s strong harvest. Thanks to early rains and a dry July, growers in Floyd County say 2025 pumpkins are holding up better in both color and quality—just in time for Halloween.

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CONSISTENT SUMMER RAINS SPUR THIS YEAR’S PUMPKIN HARVEST

Cole Baerlocher │ Agrilifetoday.tamu.edu
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Texas pumpkin producers are experiencing a strong harvest thanks to consistent rainfall and a dry July. While quantity is on par with last season’s harvest, producers say overall pumpkin quality is better compared to last year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Kim Pease, Publisher & Editor Rotan Advance Roby Star Record 1971-1998 PHOTO COURTESY FROM DAUGHTER JULIE GRUBEN

Kim Pease, Publisher & Editor Rotan Advance Roby Star Record 1971-1998 PHOTO COURTESY FROM DAUGHTER JULIE GRUBEN

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REMEMBERING KIM PEASE

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The community of Rotan is mourning the loss of former Rotan Advance– Roby Star Record publisher Kim Pease, who passed away October 2 at the age of 83.A Air Force veteran, pioneering newspaperman, and devoted man of faith, Pease’s influence continues to be felt in the lives he touched, the family he...
SMHD Director Ruthie Elkins listens as hospital administration explains the specifics of the annual budget and tax impacts.

SMHD Director Ruthie Elkins listens as hospital administration explains the specifics of the annual budget and tax impacts.

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Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Budget Approved, Rate Unchanged

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors officially adopted its 2025–26 budget and approved the accompanying tax rate last week, reaffirming a steady financial course for the coming year while also preparing a backup line of credit to ensure operational stability through the...
FCHD CFO Caleb White explains how high Medicare Advantage denial rates are straining rural hospitals’ finances during the board September 22 meeting

FCHD CFO Caleb White explains how high Medicare Advantage denial rates are straining rural hospitals’ finances during the board September 22 meeting

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FCHD FINALIZES 2025 BUDGET, STABILITY AND STRENGTH IN FOCUS

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Fisher County Hospital District Board of Directors adopted its 2025 fiscal year budget during a brief public hearing held September 22.
Fisher County commissioners Stuart Posey, Micah Evans, and Gordon Pippin vote unanimously to adopt the voter approved tax rate during last week’s special called meeting. Commissioner Dexter Elrod was absent.

Fisher County commissioners Stuart Posey, Micah Evans, and Gordon Pippin vote unanimously to adopt the voter approved tax rate during last week’s special called meeting. Commissioner Dexter Elrod was absent.

FISHER COUNTY LOCKS IN RATE, BACKS RAISES, AND EXPANDS ROAD CREWS

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Fisher County Commissioners Court formally adopted the 2025-26 county tax rate on Monday, September 29, finalizing its budget process just before the start of the new fiscal year.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Rotan ISDOCTOBER 6 TH• Last day to Register to vote or update your voter registration• Roby CISD Board Meeting 6 pm- The district will recognize LION LEADERS for responsibility.Action items include adjusting adult meal prices to meet new state minimums— breakfast from $3.40 to $3.50 and lunch from...
The Texas State Capitol Building in autumn in Austin, Texas, USA.

The Texas State Capitol Building in autumn in Austin, Texas, USA.

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AI ‘GOLD RUSH’ SWEEPS TEXAS

Gary Borders, Texas Press Association
Thursday, October 2, 2025
As Gov. Greg Abbott helped unveil the new Stargate facility in Abilene, he praised the state’s increasing role in the rapid growth of the artificial intelligence center.